Well, let me tell ya about crabbing in Winchester Bay, it’s somethin’ you surely don’t wanna miss if ya happen to be down this way. Now, I ain’t no expert, but I know a thing or two from my old days sittin’ by the water, watchin’ folks try their luck at catchin’ them crabs. Winchester Bay is a real gem, ’bout 30 miles south of Coos Bay. It’s one of them spots where you can just keep tryin’ all year round, day or night, as long as the weather holds up.
Crabbing Season in Winchester Bay
Now, you gotta know the rules before you head out there, don’t ya? The crabbing season in Winchester Bay starts from the first Saturday of November, and it runs ’til June 30th. Yep, it’s a good stretch of time for crabbing, but you gotta make sure you follow them local rules. See, every county has its own set of start and end dates, so it’s real important to check up on them before you get all excited and head out with your nets.
Now, if you’re hopin’ to catch some good Dungeness crabs, this bay’s the place to be. Folks around here love ’em, and you’ll see lots of ’em scuttlin’ around in the shallows. That’s the kind of crab you want, real meaty and tasty. And don’t forget, it ain’t just the crabs—there’s a whole bunch of fishin’ to do in Winchester Bay too, especially if you’re lookin’ for Coho Salmon or Chinook Salmon. I hear tell them big ol’ fish swim up the Umpqua River, and folks love goin’ after ‘em with them charters from Reedsport.
Where to Go for Crabbing
Now, for the best spots in Winchester Bay, you got the East Basin and Salmon Harbor Marina. There’s a good few public docks and piers around here where you can set up and drop your traps. It ain’t too fancy, but it sure does the job. If you ask folks around, they’ll tell ya, it’s the real way to go about it. You’ll get a good view of the bay, and sometimes, if you’re lucky, you’ll even spot a few seals or sea lions messin’ around by the piers.
But let me warn ya, crabbing ain’t always as easy as it sounds. Now, if you think you can just rent one of them small aluminum crabbing boats, you might be out of luck. I hear tell there ain’t none of them boats for rent round here. So, if you’re lookin’ to get out on the water, you might need to bring your own boat, or just stick to the piers where you don’t gotta worry about all that boat stuff. I reckon it’s easier for folks who live nearby, since they got their own boats all ready and good to go. But for city folks like y’all, you might have to do a little more planning.
What You’ll Need for Crabbing
Now, when you’re crabbing, you’re gonna need a few things. First off, get yourself a good sturdy crab trap or pot. It don’t have to be too fancy, but it’s gotta be strong enough to hold them big ol’ crabs. You’ll also need some bait, like chicken necks or fish heads, to tempt them crabs into your trap. If you don’t know what to use, just ask around, folks here got lots of tips.
Next, you’ll need a big ol’ bucket or cooler to put them crabs in once you catch ‘em. Don’t forget, the crabs gotta be alive when you bring ’em in, so you gotta keep ‘em fresh. And don’t go catchin’ any crabs that are too small, neither. There’s size limits on the crabs you can keep, so be sure to check that before you head out. You don’t wanna end up with a fine on your hands, right?
Things to Keep in Mind
- Make sure you got the right gear, like traps, bait, and a bucket.
- Always check the local rules for crabbing limits and seasons.
- Crabbing’s open all year round, but the best time is in the fall and winter months.
- If you can’t rent a boat, stick to the piers and docks.
- Remember, it’s hard work, but the reward is worth it—fresh crabs for dinner!
But, I gotta tell ya, crabbing in Winchester Bay ain’t all about catchin’ crabs. It’s about enjoyin’ the fresh air, the sound of the waves, and the peace and quiet of bein’ out on the water. Whether you catch a mess of crabs or not, you’ll always have a good time just sittin’ by the pier, watchin’ the boats go by and the gulls screechin’ overhead. It’s a good way to spend a day, I’ll tell ya that much.
Final Thoughts
So, if you find yourself near Winchester Bay, don’t be shy—grab your gear, head to the docks, and give crabbing a go. It might take a little patience, but once you get your hands on some fresh Dungeness crabs, you’ll be grinnin’ from ear to ear. Just remember to follow the rules, bring your own boat if you can, and enjoy the beautiful bay. Crabbing here’s a real treat, and you might just find yourself comin’ back for more.
Tags：[Winchester Bay crabbing, Dungeness crab, crabbing season, fishing in Winchester Bay, Salmon Harbor Marina, crabbing tips, Umpqua River fishing, Pacific Ocean crabbing, Oregon crabbing]
